Van Buren Shelter

We protect basic human rights and meet human needs by providing safe shelter. We instill hope and provide support to our guests for their long term success through empowerment, community engagement and teamwork.

Facility

The Community Shelter Board purchased the west side facility to serve a growing homeless population, and had the vision to essentially run 3 separate programs under one roof- one for single men, one for single women, and one for families. This would be made possible by several partners working together to staff and facilitate these programs. Van Buren contains a front door shelter separated by gender for those experiencing homelessness for the first time that only need a short stay or minimal services. In addition, the facility contains flex space for up to 244 overflow beds for men and women to assure the system has flexible bed capacity at all times. This eliminates waitlists as well as the need to site a winter overflow shelter each year.

Housing & Employment Assistance:

YMCA Guest Aides help with basic services such as job website navigation, getting identification, and basic health and wellness services

YMCA Service Coordinators identify needs and assist guests in getting those needs met, as well as linking them to a navigator when ready

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Our movement is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life, all working side-by-side to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, income or background, has the opportunity to live life to its fullest.